Q: What is "Paving the Way"?
A: A capital campaign designed to wipe out JUMC debt.
Q: Why have we hired an outside consultant to raise funds?
A: Statistically churches who hire outside consultants raise two to three times more
funds. We feel it is good stewardship to work with a hands-on firm, and Generis is
such a firm.
Q: How much money do we need?
A: We need a commitment for $1.2 million dollars to cover $590,000 owed on the
Fellowship Hall, purchase the Webb Property $350,000, purchase Fears property
$300,000. The real value for JUMC will be the long range ability to expand our
ministry.
Q: Why not just finance this debt over a long period of time?
A: Our goal of paying JUMC obligations quickly will eliminate hundreds of
thousands of interest dollars. A five year payback will save around $670,000 over
a twenty year payback at 6%.
A three year payback saves around $749,000 over a
twenty year payback at 6%. At our current level of giving to the building fund, it would
take about twenty years to retire the JUMC Recreation Building debt incurred 2001.
Q: Who decided on this level of debt?
A: The Church membership voted on December 16, 2007at the Church Conference where
the vote was unanimous.
Q: How does giving to "Paving the Way" fit with my current pledge to the church?
A: This would be above and beyond your current pledge to the General Fund (Operating
Budget), we depend on you to meet your pledge made in the Fall of 2007.
Q: What if I have already made a pledge to the Building Fund?
A: A pledge to "Paving the Way" would replace your Fall 2007 pledge to the Building
Fund. However you need to complete a new card. You may want to recommit or
adjust your current pledge so we will know your new level of giving.
Q: When do I start giving to "Paving the Way" and for how long?
A: Begin June 2008, following Celebration Sunday, May 18, 2008. We hope to end
JUMC debt in three years. You will not be billed, however, the church office will keep
records of giving. Goal achievement updates will be given on a regular basis.
Q: How will my gift help with such a large debt?
A: All amounts are important! For example, a pledge of $15 per week over three years
equal $2,340. Pledges can be made weekly, monthly, or yearly. You will not be asked
to give a specific amount.
It is a matter of the heart, as above and beyond giving is a
spiritual experience that shows God He has priority in our finances and in our hearts.
King David modeled his understanding of giving to the Lord in 2 Samuel 24:24: "I will
not offer to God that which costs me nothing".
Q: How can I help?
A: Pray, open your heart to God's future use of the properties that will allow for
expansion and prevent our church from becoming land locked. In the meantime
we will have space for new and exciting community ministries, such as CERF (Christian Emergency Relief Foundation),
the local ministry to provide financial assistance to those in need; and perhaps space
for Haven House who minister to battered spouses; or a new ministry for young adults.
There are so many possibilities! You can plan to give sacrificially. These gifts may be
in securities, real estate, or other assets. Ask your financial advisor or tax consultant
about your situation. You may benefit from such a gift through favorable tax
treatment.
